Cape Coast, March 8, GNA - Participants at a Day's workshop to mark this year's International Women's Day, have called on the government to implement all laws that protected women against all forms of violence. They noted that such a measure would enable more women to exhibit their potentials without fear or favour.

The workshop, which was organised by Radio Central in collaboration with Women In Broadcasting, was on the theme: "Equal Participation of Women In Decision Making A Catalyst For Development".

Twenty (20) participants, drawn from six media houses in the region, attended the workshop, which discussed topics like,

"Ratification of the Protocol On Women To The African Charter". They expressed worried about the continuous practice of female genital mutilation despite the public awareness on the issue and called for stiffer punishment against the perpetrators.

They commended government, for making funds available to cater for expectant and nursing mothers who attend pubic hospitals.

The journalists observed that the facility was reducing maternal and infant mortality rate hence the need to extend it to private clinics.

They appealed to the government to establish homes and centres to cater for the aged.

Touching on HIV/AIDS, they called for sustained national education to expose the youth to the need for sexual abstinence.

Mr Theodore Agbam, acting Regional Director of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation suggested the need for more planned activities to commemorate the Day.